The Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu has congratulated the Chief Judge of the State and members of the legal profession on the official opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year, stating that judges must strive to emulate the Almighty God and ultimate judge in wisdom and justice.
Speaking at a special thanksgiving service held at the Unical Chapel of Redemption, the Governor said his administration will ensure robust collaboration between the executive and judiciary arms of government.
Speaking further, the governor who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, said, “As we embark on this new legal year, I want to assure you that the executive arm of government will continue to collaborate closely with the judiciary to ensure it remains the hope of the common man. Our administration is committed to providing the needed enabling environment, work tools and security for smooth justice delivery in Cross River State.
“This administration has supported the establishment of the Small Claims Court which now operates in Calabar with the hope of replicating same in other parts of the state. We have also demonstrated our commitment to the judiciary by ensuring that the needs of judicial officers are treated as priority.
“I encourage all judicial officers and members of the legal profession to approach this new year with renewed vigor, remembering that you are ministers in the temple of justice. Your work shapes the destiny of our state and our people. Therefore, I urge you to strengthen your commitment to impartiality and independence in the coming year”.
In his sermon, the Chaplain of Unical Chapel of Redemption, Rev. Dr. Joseph Ushie, who took his text from II Samuel 23:3-4, charged members of the legal profession to act with honour, reminding them that God is the ultimate judge who dispenses true justice. He warned judges that the decisions made by leaders have far-reaching consequences that often affect even the unborn generation.
In her remarks, the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme, urged judges to uphold their responsibility of dispensing justice with reverence for God and according to the laws of the federation.
She emphasized that, by virtue of their calling, they are delivering judgments on behalf of God, noting that their decisions could determine matters of life and death.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Unical Chapel of Redemption Council, Prof. Paul Ajah, described the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year for the Cross River State judiciary as a significant milestone, not only for the legal community but for everyone who upholds the values of justice, integrity, and service in the state.
He urged legal practitioners to reflect on the challenges ahead and encouraged them to harness technology and innovation to tackle the complexities of the law, thereby serving their communities with greater effectiveness.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh along with members of the State Executive Council, senior government officials, and traditional rulers, were present at the event.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar.
23:09:2024.
